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Baa-Baas to play Fiji in Belfast

Ulster Rugby have confirmed that international touring side the Barbarians will take on Fiji at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday 11th November at 7:30pm.

The match will be part of the Barbarians’ Autumn Tour which will also see them face the Springboks at Wembley a week before.

This will be the first time the Barbarians have been in Belfast since 1957, and on that occasion that faced an Ulster Invitation XV.

The Baa-Baas played four times last season, all against high ranking international sides, and are known for having teams full of international stars. This season they will be coached by former Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans and ex-England centre Will Greenwood.

Fiji are also expected to have all of their best players available too, including ex-Ulsterman Timoci Nagusa and bulldozing Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo, both of whom will play for Montpellier next season.

“Ulster Rugby is delighted to be hosting such a high profile international game, which will provide an opportunity for local rugby supporters to see some of the world’s best rugby players in action,” he commented.

“As one of the premier rugby stadiums in Europe, the Kingspan Stadium has already successfully hosted the 2015 Guinness PRO12 Final, and is scheduled to host the 2017 Womens’ Rugby World Cup finals. We look forward to working with both teams to ensure the event is a success.”

The Barbarians’ head coach Robbie Deans expressed his excitement at coming to Belfast and paid tribute to his side’s opponents.

“It will be a real pleasure to bring the Barbarians to Belfast to play at such an important venue that is the home of Ulster Rugby,” Deans said.

“I’m sure we’ll receive a hospitable welcome and make new friends among the knowledgeable rugby public in Ulster.

“The Barbarians and Fiji both have great traditions of playing entertaining and skilful rugby, as was shown at Twickenham when we last met. We’ll endeavour to approach this game in the same competitive spirit.”

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